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Last Updated: Dec 25th, 2009 - 12:58:50 |
Church Events
8th Annual AFN Songfest
ANCHORAGE MORAVIAN CHURCH
8th Annual Meeting - “Bring Them In” Spiritual Harvest
The Spiritual Harvest was an outstanding blessing for many many people from all over the State of Alaska. Several individuals participated in the Spiritual Harvest from Point Barrow as well as Barter Island.
Those that participated in leadership and giving testimony and song are to be thanked for their help in making this an enjoyable blessing for all. Pastor Fred Nielsen, Pastor Tim Sergie, and Apostle Mike Curtis gave special Gospel messages. The response was heartening. Thank you!
Oct 25, 2009, 15:01
Announcements
Revival in the Bible Conference
Revival in the Bible Conference is Scheduled for October 13,14, 15, 2009,
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| Heart Relationship with Our Savior |
7:00 PM, at First American Baptist Church corner of Latouch & Northern Lights, Anchorage, Alaska. Everyone is cordially invited to this "walk through the Bible" with Dr. Frank Fenby from Florida. Brother Frank is chief instructor with the Alaska Bible Seminary in Bethel, Alaska.
The two hour gathering at First American Baptist Church will be an informal gathering with finger foods and drinks available. The Conference will cover the following per Dr. Fenby: "The Conference examines, in chronological order, many of the revivals and apparent revivals recorded in Scripture.
First, we will develop a working definition of revival. Then, starting in Genesis 4:26, we will step through the revival accounts. For each revival we will look at its historical context, what started the revival, and who were the people involved. Next, we will look at the external evidence for this revival, look for any positive lasting effects, determine if this was a true revival, and then seek to learn what we can from this historical revival about revivals today. At the end of the series, we will seek to produce a summary of learned about biblical revivals.
The sessions will be interactive. After a presentation of each revival, there will be an open discussion."
If anyone has any questions, contact Pastor Nicholson, at 240-8102. Hope to see you there.
Oct 14, 2009, 12:51
Alaska Provincial News
Alaska Bible Seminary
Alaska Bible Seminary will open doors for fall Teaching Schedule on October 19, 2009. The following listing shows what will be offered. Anyone interested should contact Dr. Frank Fenby at FFenby@edifymin.org. His phone number is 813-924-0415. The classes will be held in Bethel, Alaska, at the Seminary building.
Course Dates
1. Church History Oct. 19-Oct 30, 2009. Days. Bishop Nelson may instruct on the last day or two on Alaskan Church History
2. Life and Teachings of Christ Oct. 19-Dec. 10, 2009. Nights. Monday and Thursday nights except for Pastor’s & Elder’s Retreat
3. Bible Theology I Nov. 9-Nov. 25, 2009. Days
4. Old Testament Survey Nov. 20-Dec. 11, 2009. Days. If Joe Harris is able to come this spring this topic might change. Frank will teach the course.
5. Pastoral Counseling. We are contacting Conrad Peters from Arctic Barnabas about teaching this.
6. Teaching Children and Youth. We are contacting Child Evangelism Fellowship about teaching this. The had taught it here before
Oct 8, 2009, 11:59
Ministries
General & Building Fund Giving Opportunities
If you would like to donate to the work of the Lord Jesus through the Anchorage Moravian Church, AncMC feel free to do it here! On September 13, 2009 we begin our yearly Stewardship emphasis for the General and Building funds. Note: We are still short of sufficient dollars to purchase any facility. Thanksgiving for someone who gave Pastor Nicholson a large sum of dollars for the Building Fund week of September 6, 2009. In advance Pastor Nicholson appreciates all who will be motivated to donate dollars led by the Holy Spirit. God bless you as you give to His Work!
GENERAL FUND - for Tithes and Offerings
https://dlq4.donatelinq.net/qv10/Default.aspx?MerchantID=AKMCGA
BUILDING FUND - for Donations and Development Pastor Support
https://dlq4.donatelinq.net/qv10/Default.aspx?MerchantID=AKMCBF
Sep 23, 2009, 06:55
Church Events
4th Annual Spiritual Feast
4th Annual Spiritual Feast is scheduled for October 16-18, 2009 at Manokotak. This year's feast, according to Manokotak Young People leadership, is a non-denominational one to be held at Manokotak Nunaniq School Commons/Gymn. This is a new location from previous years. If anyone needs information about this event, call Louise Gloko at (907) 289-2017.
Highlights:
-Only Jesus is Glorified
-Only Jesus is Praised
-Only Jesus is Preached
-Only Jesus is Introduced
-Only Jesus
Sep 22, 2009, 15:37
Pastor's Corner
When Moravian Revival Happens, Will We Recognize It?
When Moravian Revival Happens, Will We Recognize It?
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| Moravian Youth |
Ever since I was a child in a little Moravian Church in Dillingham, over the years, I have heard missionaries, pastor’s, elders and even regular members praying for revival. Even today in some of our Moravian communities, I notice some church bulletins have prayer requests for revival listed. I believe that Moravians in Alaska have been praying for revival a long time. We sing about it; we pray for it, we wait for it, but I wonder if we will truly recognize it when it happens? Will you recognize revival when it happens? I am afraid that true revival when it happens will not be recognized by many of our leaders and people.
Within my heart of faith, I have always felt that revival is stirring within the Alaska Moravian Church because we have been praying for it for years, especially for it to happen among our young people. Revival will come, because too much evil and destruction is upon us in our society! Church history tells us that God chooses to move upon society at certain locations and times. For me I will recognize true revival when it begins to transform our Native society.
Sep 21, 2009, 15:34
Pastor's Corner
Ordaining Gay Clergy
Inerrancy of God’s Word and How It Applies to Subject of Ordaining Gay Clergy
Response to August 23, 2009 Decision by ELCA to Roster Gay Ordained Clergy
By Bishop William H. Nicholson, Pastor of Anchorage Moravian Church
September 14, 2009
Note: The following statements do not represent the position of the Alaska Moravian Church. It is written in the hopes to further stimulate discussion in whether the Moravian Churches in Alaska should continue talks on Full Communion status.
The Moravian Churches in America have been ecumenical in nature. Along with the American Churches, the Moravian Church in Alaska follows a Book of Order Statement of the Unity stating….“cherishes its unity as a valuable treasure entrusted to it by the Lord. It stands for the oneness of all mankind given by the reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Therefore the ecumenical movement is of its very lifeblood”.
Resolution on Approving Gay Ordained Clergy in ELCA Churches
On August 27, 2009, I received a letter addressed to me from the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Department of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). This written communication states that on August 23, 2009, the ELCA Church wide assembly voted to approve resolutions that commits the ELCA “to find a way for people in publically accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders.” Another resolution states that ELCA “will exercise flexibility within its existing structure and practices to allow Lutherans in same gender relationships to be approved for professional service in the Church. This resolution passed by a vote of 667-307. This action should call into question how we feel about our own theological and ethical concerns within our own Province in Alaska. In other words how would you feel if you reside in a village in Akiachak or Eek or Dillingham Moravian Church; would you accept an ordained avowed gay leader as your pastor? Or as a youth leader in the local Church?
Sep 15, 2009, 14:06
Alaska Provincial News
Alaska Moravian Youth Newsletter Fall 09
Guiding Thoughts: The Lord is truly is blessing His work through the Alaska Moravian Church, as evidenced by the work He has been doing through the variety of individuals and committees that He has raised up to continue His work. Even with the struggle of keeping a Christian Education Director, His work continues to thrive and prosper. The youth leaders throughout the province are stepping up to continue meeting weekly and organizing and sponsoring youth gatherings, organizing gospel teams, to name a few. The Lord's word is truly "alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword...." (Heb. 4:12) and "will not return to 'Him' void, but will accomplish 'exactly' what it set out to do..." (Is. 55:10,11).
We can only priase Him for putting a burden on people's hearts for our youth. Thanks for the youth leaders that responded to His call. Throughout our lives we have heard pastors read words like, "...Go, then, and make disciples..." (Matt. 28:19,20) or "...do the work of an evangelist"...(II Tim. 4:5), which is just what the youth leaders are doing in your struggle to figure out how to reach and minister to youth. He is indeed "...our strength in our weakness..." (II Cor. 12:9,10) when we cannot do anything but to depend entirely upon Him. So, whether we 'plant seeds or water' that which was already planted, the most important thing is "....God gives the increase" (I Cor. 3:6), which means He blesses our efforts and does the rest, by making it grow and much more.
I am back on this job. God only knows for our long. I was flying for a local carrier for about three years. No matter where we are as followers of Christ, we just don't put Him aside and act as though we don't belong to Him. Even though life's circumstances may put us in different places, the Lord is still the center of our lives. Even though you might run away like Jonah, He will send a big fish to eat you up or "break your legs to put you where He wants you" as someone once said. So, I will be "flying low" for a while but hope to do a little of it once in a while. The Lord did say "....Lo(w), I am with you always...":-)
Kristussaam Naklekutiin Nayurliten, AMEN!
(The Grace of Christ be with you)
Carl Ekamrak
Sep 10, 2009, 13:27
Ministries
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Youth Group
Notice for Young Believers in Christ
Young Believers in Christ
Hello Young People,
I hope you all had a great summer. I am very excited to start meeting again this fall. We should have an exciting year filled with new songs (bring your favorites.), finish the last three chapters of Revelations, start a new topic for devotion time, fundraising for a trip (even with a few bumps in the road towards travel I still pray we make it on our next one), and of course, to grow spiritually, in knowledge and understanding of our walk with God and His word.
I don't know how everyone's schedules are this fall but I was wondering if I can get an idea of when we should resume our meetings based on when we are all available to meet. My suggestion would be to start beginning of September and to meet on Mondays, Wednesdays or Saturdays (Based on a few peoples schedules.).
I am going to start looking at what we had drafted up for ideas for this fall and draw up some ideas we can look at. Also, I talked to Carrie Paton after our spring meetings and she said we can let her know if we would like to use her home as a place to meet for our meetings. But I will let this be a group decision.
I would really appreciate all of your ideas, opinions, suggestions, etc... so please let me know! Thank you and I hope you all have a great week.
PS: Liane, Kevin,and their two boys moved back home to Eek this summer. They would like me to let you know that they said Hi and they are enjoying the slow paced life and the boys are getting big. Also, to keep them in your prayers.
Whitney S. Carter
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."1 Timothy 4:12
Aug 27, 2009, 20:55
Pastor's Corner
Spiritual Feast Historical Information
This is a time for love, unity and Understanding! As far as the Spiritual Feast “movement” is concerned from what I know of it, I do not know of anything happening that goes against scripture or general Church history. This experience is changing some of our thinking, but what must never change is the proclamation of the Word of God. II Timothy 3:16,17 is very clear that all we need is God’s Word for the life of the Church. Another area that we must research is our understanding on dreams, visions, and revelation. Our Province does not have a position statement on this but the day is now here that we must evolve a church stance on this. Currently different viewpoints are circulating among our people. Praise the Lord as we study God’ Word more, speak together more, we will learn more and find the truth that will set us all free!
My personal assessment in regards to the Spiritual Feast worship services (over the last three years) is indeed showing many Christ glorifying fruits, i.e - souls being won for the eternal kingdom, souls rededicated, marriages being saved, people being set free from alcohol and drugs, young people “on fire” for the Lord. This movement has also positively impacted the crime rate. It is significantly down in one of our worse villages according to a Chief VPSO. Obviously the Holy Spirit is at work convicting souls for salvation. Since this is happening we need to be careful about speaking rashly or in carnality, without truly knowing the mind of Christ. The risk we may run into is grieving the Holy Spirit, opposing Christ’s Will, working against God and giving the Devil what he wants by bringing division.
Reflecting upon Synod 2009 last February close to 40% of the pastors, lay pastors and church delegates supported a Spiritual Feast resolution by voting in favor of it. Many are still in the dark about the movement chose not to vote for it or against it until they better understand it.
I know there is still a lot of confusion. So let’s continue to talk more, pray more, and try to understand if what is happening to our Churches is supported by God's Word. Presently if a Spiritual Feast is happening outside of the Moravian Church, it should be billed as a non-Moravian sponsored event, therefore it is a non-denominational event. When the two Spiritual Feasts happened in Anchorage, Alaska at the 1st Congregational Church and Anchorage Dena'ina Convention Center, I believe these were publicized as being non-Moravian sponsored events.
The Spiritual Feast concept may not die at this time. So I would kindly and prayerfully suggest that it may be helpful for more of our Moravian Church leaders to attend a Spiritual Feast when it happens and learn about it. If we find error, let us deal with it in a positive and loving way at Synod 2010. It sounds like the Manokotak Elders have approved a Spiritual Feast for October 2009. As Moravians we follow the Alaska Moravian Church Book of Order, but this does not mean that each church is a carbon copy of each other necessarily. Practically speaking, however each local Moravian Church Elder’s board has a certain amount of freedom to develop and approve their own worship schedule and worship the way they see fit based upon local needs in line with the Word of God and God’s Spirit.
Enclosed are copies of some reflections that I have had about the Spiritual Feast movement for your review. This should help us as we communicate in love and unity and as we seek truth.
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NOTE: My thoughts do not reflect APB, Inc. nor the Alaska Synod. My thoughts are constantly evolving as I learn more. The articles submitted are dated and are offered to promote dialogue. They are listed as follows:
1. Manokotak Spiritual Feast: An Amazing Outpouring of God's Spirit?
Dated November 6, 2008.
2. Thoughts on Spiritual Feast & Believer Priests. Dated November 26, 2008.
3. Renewal, Spiritual Gifts, and Danger of Pride. Dated December 6, 2008.
4. The Spirit Feast. Is this From Our Savior’s Heart? Dated December 10, 2008.
5. APB Inc., Bethel Moravian Church Elders, Moravian Bible Seminary and Bishops Meeting on Spiritual Feast. Dated January 6, 2009.
The commentary (over several months) that follows are mine alone and reflect an element of soul searching to make sense about what is happening among us. I am always open to understand and allow change in my life as I interpret and take in God’s Word. For all of us the theological task is to make biblical sense out of what is happening and to correct error if necessary. Where there is no error or falsehood, we must rejoice wholeheartedly for what God the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst to give glory to our crucified Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Aug 25, 2009, 15:58
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